State Launches Web Portal On Opioid Crisis

Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday announced a new web portal designed to offer resources and information related to the state's heroin, opioid and fentanyl crisis.

“For nearly three years, our administration has been focused on combating the heroin and opioid crisis from every angle, including prevention, treatment, and recovery," Hogan said in a statement. "This new web portal is another tool to raise awareness and provide critical resources to all Marylanders so that we can save thousands of lives, before it’s too late.”

That tagline, "Before It's Too Late," also appeared in a public service announcement the governor filmed with "House of Cards" actor Michael Kelly, who plays Chief of Staff Doug Stamper on the Netflix series. Kelly's character is a recovering alcoholic.

“Education and public awareness go hand-in-hand with prevention, and are an essential component of our efforts to turn the tide in this heroin and opioid crisis,” Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford said. "The Before It's Too Late portal will provide addicts, family members, educators, and health professionals with the resources they need to get help, understand the disease of addiction, and reduce stigma, in order to save lives."

In March, Hogan declared a state of emergency in the opioid crisis, bringing in Maryland Emergency Management Agency resources to help combat the public health threat. He also announced $50 million in new funding, and the appointment of senior emergency management adviser Clay Stamp to lead the Opioid Operational Command Center.